There are a handful of tools in the shop that I use nearly every day. A combination square is one of them. These are such versatile tools. I love that you can interchange the heads for different functions, getting even more mileage out of a nearly indispensable tool. Round stock, angles, marking and measuring. The combination square provides one-stop-shopping for all these tasks, and more.

The combination square’s back story

The combination square was invented in the 1860s, and was originally considered a tool for engineers and architects. Today it has found its way into wood and metal shops, onto construction sites, and into the hands of nearly anyone who needs to mark, measure or lay out lines. You may find that some people call it an adjustable square or even a bevel protractor. For me, combination square is the best all-encompassing name, thanks to the variety of functions this tool can perform.

George’s square

The combination square used in this video was made by iGaging, and is available on Amazon. It comes with all the heads you saw here.

We’re here to help in your shop

There’s nothing like having a knowledgeable buddy available to help you in the shop when you need it. In addition to tool buying advice like we’ve provided here, WoodWorkers Guild of America has more shop tips that are sure to help you with your next project. We’re ready to be the buddy you can call on any time of day or night.

What benefit is there to a fixed square with known maximum runout, vs. combo squares? Is runout really a concern for most woodworking on squares of this size, or is it mostly advertising gimmickry? Thanks!

A fixed square is great for certain applications but does not have the same level of versatility as a combination square. Either tool will have a certain amount of runout, so it will be important to understand the accuracy of the tool, whichever one you use, and work within its limitations.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA

George Vondriska provides tips on how to use a backyard saw mill to cut lumber from logs for your woodworking projects. A WoodWorkers Guild of America (WWGOA) original video. Saw mill provided by Logosol. For more information, visit www.logosol.us.

George Vondriska provides instruction on how to select the proper side of the wood to cut a veneer, and which band saw blade will help you cut a great piece of veneer for your woodworking projects. A WoodWorkers Guild of America (WWGOA) original video. Band saw blade provided by PS Wood Machines. For more information,